New Delhi, Jan. 10 -- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in premium processing fees for several visas, including the H-1B visa. The hike will apply only to applicants who opt for faster processing, while the standard visa filing fee remains unchanged.

According to USCIS, the changes will take effect on 1 March, 2026. It will affect key employment-based and non-immigrant filings which are widely used by foreign professionals, including Indian nationals working or studying in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to adjust premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation. Accordingly, USCIS said the latest increase reflects the inflation levels...